I've been keeping bees for 5 years now. I have six hives and usually gain a couple every year from swarms and splits. I don't treat for mites and I don't argue with people who do. I use oil traps for beetles that were built similar to the West trap. I build most of my own equipment including a bee vac which I like the most of any piece so far. I enjoy keeping bees but will probably keep it to around six to eight hives. More than that and it seems too much like work.
Welcome to the forum Johnny B.
Welcome to the forum, Johnny. Glad to have you here.
Joe
Welcome Johnny, what's your method for non treatment?
Quote from: rwlaw on September 22, 2013, 10:48:39 AM
Welcome Johnny, what's your method for non treatment?
I know "they" say that the chemicals used in some treatments leave no or very little residue in the hives. Some say it's naturally occuring chemicals and therefor natural treatments. I'm of a mind that, just like in humans, you can throw balance off using treatments that kill the good and the bad. Granted, if I lost all my colonies this year I wouldn't be late making the house payment. I have mostly ferrel stock. I'm pretty sure I know where they resided before they were in the tree and that was another beekeeper. But they have lived in the tree quite happily for at least three years and throw me at least one swarm a year. I have screened bottom oil traps that do a nice job with the hive beetles. I try to split them at least once in the spring when they look swarmy. I don't buy queens, I let them raise their own. So far so good. They are a little hot in the early spring, ok maybe very hot, but seem to calm down by May and are somewhat gentle. I obviously have lost a few colonies, but no more than anyone else. So I guess if it ain't broke...
What part of south eastern NC? I am in new bern.
Welcome to the forum Johnny B. I'm with you, feral bees with no treatments. Best way to go.
Jim
Quote from: Modenacart on September 23, 2013, 11:54:48 PM
What part of south eastern NC? I am in new bern.
Lumberton